Vehicle

2013 Infiniti JX JX35 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl CVT)

Review

I have 7000 miles on the new JX and would not buy again. The JX looks good, yes the interior is nice but the performance is lacking in a vehicle of this price range.
The JX struggles.. If you have not driven a vehicle with a CVT transmission Do Your Homework. It is awkward compared to a traditional transmission. The engine will rev at times unexpected ,it is much louder, and you get the feeling of downshifting. They give you a selector switch that you can turn to sport mode to make it feel like a traditional transmission (not) Understanding it is SUV/ crossover, it does not take to turns well comparable. Bottom line at this price It underperforms. Would take my CX9 Back tomorrow.

Favorite Features

Looks good.

Suggested Improvements

Needs a more powerful engine. Ditch the CVT transmission, it's very awkward and underperforming at this price range... Should test drive several times.......

i fully agree with you.
I traded in a 2008 cx-9 for the JX.
After 5 months of ownership, i traded it in at a loss due to performance and a host of quality issues.
It was in the shop over 6 times.
I traded it in for a 2013 CX-9.
My wife and I missed the handling of the mazda.
While the JX has a nicer interior, it isn't screwed together as tightly as the mazda.
Just thought I would share my similar experiences.

Didn't you guys test drove the car before you bought it? I believe that during the test drive you would definitely feel if the car's performance is not up to your definition of performance. If you want real performance buy a Porche Cayene or BMW X5 M, or better yet bur a sports sedan.

Who are you guys trying to extract 'performance' from what is essentially a minivan?
0-60 in 7.8 is 'slow'? Then why are you trying to go faster in a van whose main purpose is to ferry families in comfort?
I drive a G37 and my wife says the accelerations makes her 'sick.'
She is screams when I take exits at more than 10mph over the recommended 25 or 35 (the G can do those well over that).
This car is designed for folks like my wife to ferry their kids. 200+ horses and lb-ft of torque is well beyond anything a 'safe' parent would like to put their young kids through. That is what this car is designed for.
Go get a fast sedan/coupe and push it the the limit when you are driving it alone. But who in his right mind tries 'flooring' a van in everyday driving?

Yes it was test driven, but you cannot feel everything on a test drive.
Try coasting down a hill with you JX , watch and feel the transmission
Constantly hunt for a gear. Try to go from a stand still on a hill, you just about have to floor it. Feel it down shift as you come to a stop sign. This is the first time infinity has put bells and whistles in front of performance. That is why so many are confused here after the purchase. When you pay in this price range you should not sacerfice.
The cvt does not belong in the JX. Infinity took a chance on performance to save you a gallon of gas, that may work on lower end cars but not here. The market will show in time.

Please dont confuse performance with speed only.
We are not trying to win a race here. This is the only vehicle from Infiniti that comes CVT only ( no choice). This type of transmission kills the JX perormance which is yes acceleration, feeling of downshifting, racing of the engine at unexpected times, louder than normal engine for a luxury crossover, swaying more than comp crossovers in its class etc. Why do you think they offer you a transmission option in their other cars? The only thing that is being said here is that if you are going to charge this much for a crossover you should not have to sacrifice on perfromace. Educate youself first and test drive many times. Make sure you drive stop and go, hills as well as highway. I purchased this crossover its beautiful but its more disappointing every time I drive it.
I just dont want others to have to get stuck the same way I did.....

You guys were aware of the CVT transmission before you bought it..right ?
You are aware it does not have fixed gears like a typical transmission...right?
Then how do you claim it is hunting for gears and downshifting?
What's really happening is you have been used to transmissions with fixed gears that shift from gear to gear and that is what you are accustomed to...so the CVT seems different to you, therefor you think there is something wrong.
I think you should have familiarized yourself with CVT before purchasing.

Owned the JX for almost 2 years. Unhappy with the CVT and performance. It delivers a sluggish awkward drive. Most buyers don't know what a CVT is even if you explained it too them. Make sure you test drive several times on all different road conditions. This is infiniti's first car that comes only with a cvt (no option). Infiniti has always been know for performance,that is why so many are confused. Selector switch does little to help. CVT's are much less expensive to manufacture, provide a rubber-band effect and lags in performance. With a vehicle of this price range no one should have to sacrifice. Period.....

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